Instant messaging is one of the many ways of communicating.
Definition: a type of communication that allows you to create a private chat room with another person in real time.
Instant messaging has become popular because of the real-time conversations. E-mail works, but isn't as fast as someone might need it to be. This generation seems to think fast is the way to go. For instant messaging to work both users must be online. Other wise it is basically sending another e-mail.
Often IM programs include these features
Chat- Creat a chat room wiht friends or co-workers
Web links- Share links to your favorite sites
Video- send and view vidieos, and chat face to face with the other user
Images- look at an image stored on your friends computer
Sounds- play sounds for your friends
Files- Share files by sending them directly to your friends
Streaming content- real-time or near-real-time stock quotes and news
Mobile capabilities- send instant messages from your cell phone
Instant Messaging (IM)
Instant messaging is one of the many ways of communicating.
Definition: a type of communication that allows you to create a private chat room with another person in real time.
Instant messaging has become popular because of the real-time conversations. E-mail works, but isn't as fast as someone might need it to be. This generation seems to think fast is the way to go. For instant messaging to work both users must be online. Other wise it is basically sending another e-mail.
Often IM programs include these features